Definition of "dear" []

• Loved and cherished: my dearest friend. (adjective)
• Greatly valued; precious: lost everything dear to them. (adjective)
• Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations: Dear Lee Dawson. (adjective)
• High-priced; expensive. (adjective)
• Charging high prices. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• ""Yes," replied Dexie, "they are rather dear, _dear shad_," and she looked intently at her plate, well knowing how Plaisted was glaring at her."
• ""Oh, I entreat you -- I implore you, my dear, _dear_ --""
• "The man cried out: "Mother dear -- _Mother dear_!""